When you’re moving out of one home and into another, the ‘to do’ list can grow quickly. From arranging for your post to be forwarded and sorting out rent payments to buying new furniture and organising your housewarming party, the list of things that need to be taken care of can seem endless.

Spending hours cleaning every corner of your old home can, therefore, feel like time wasted. After all, why scrub that oven until it’s sparkling if you’re never going to use it again? However, if you don’t put in a bit of time and money to restore your property to its former glory, you may not get your full deposit back from your landlord. This makes the end of tenancy clean one task you can’t strike from your ‘to do’ list.

How Can I Ensure I Get My Deposit Back?

The main reason tenants invest in a professional end of tenancy clean – or do the work themselves – is so that they get their deposits back. Before you moved into your rented property, your landlord or agent would have carried out an inventory. This will list the items in the home and the condition of the furnishings, walls, carpets, windows, and anything else in the property. When you move out, they’ll compare the inventory with the current state of the property to see if any damage has been done over the course of your tenancy.

If the property is dusty, dirty or grimy, your landlord may well take money out of your deposit to pay for a professional end of tenancy clean. You might also be charged extra for damage and wear and tear. If you take care of the clean yourself before you move, or arrange for professionals to come in and do the work, you’ll be much more likely to get your full deposit back and save money in the long run.

Do I Need To Leave My Rented Property In Good Condition?

Although the main motivation for doing an end of tenancy clean in most cases is getting the deposit back, a lot of renters also take pride in their home and want to see it passed onto the next tenant in good condition. Giving every room in the property a once over and removing any dust or dirt that’s built up over the years will help to ensure the home is as good as new for the next inhabitants.

Is A Reference From My Landlord Important?

Another important thing to consider when moving out of a rented property is that a lot of letting agents ask for references from past landlords. If you’ve previously left a rented property in poor condition, this could come up in future checks and may harm your chances of securing a new home in the future.